Concentrating mainly but not exclusively on the Loire's vineyards, its vignerons and their wines along with places to eat and stay. Also covers some recently published wine books – not just from Loire. Regional Chair for Loire @Decanter's World Wine Awards since its inception.
Winner of the 2009 Wine Blog Trophy (journalist category) Salon des Vins de Loire. I have a large and expanding library of photos, particularly from the Loire – places, producers, vineyards etc. European.

2012:Born Digital Wine Awards: No Pay No Jay – best investigative wine story

2012: International Wine Challenge – Personality of the Year Award

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Esme's adventure

My nieceEsme Morris Macintyre is a young woman you would want to know - lovely personality, gorgeous smile, tremendous generosity, a love of challenges and awe-inspiring determination to achieve her life ambitions. For the last six and a half years she has been on a cancer journey, a journey she describes in the Notes page on her Facebook site, Esme's adventure. With her brother, Calum, she has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust and Cancer Research UK. Just over a week ago she drew up a list of adventures that she is planning to have and has already achieved quite a few of them.On Friday she met with cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, having a surprise visit from him and his wife - how fantastic that Chris Hoy, six time Olympic Gold Medalist, found the time to spend over three hours with Esme just the day after he announced his retirement! She has met with and sailed with Ellen McArthur, she has been on a ski biking holiday in the Alps (see her brother's video here) and she has had a harp tune written for her. And there are lots of other plans in the pipeline!She would love your support by 'liking' her Facebook page, Esme's adventure - she has already clocked up over 3,000 'likes'! Perhaps you could help her reach 5,000?

Picture use

Unless otherwise stated all photos on this site are copyrighted – Jim Budd. They should not be used without authorisation and due credit.
Please contact me on budmac@btinternet.com for all use. There will usually be a charge for use in commercial publications – papers, magazines, websites etc. and for other commercial uses.
Photos that are used for commercial use without permission will be charged double – the fee for the use of photo and for breach of copyright.
Commercial organisations asking to use photos for no payment may not always receive a polite response.